A Call of Vampires (A Shade of Vampire #51)(17)

We’d been raised and conditioned to believe that we didn’t need males in our lives.

We didn’t. But we simply could no longer refuse the concept of love. I loved Jovi with all my heart, and he worshipped me in return. Our souls were already bound, and the wedding was simply an official stamp. It only brought us closer.

Most importantly, today was also about family. My sisters, my friends, and my fiancé’s relatives were all coming together, as the Red Tribe and the Shadians celebrated our union.





Jovi





I’d been given a dressing room of my own for this. I didn’t really care, to be honest. I just wanted to stand in front of Anjani and profess my love to her. We could be naked in the middle of a field, as far as I was concerned—though I had a feeling Aida and the rest of our families wouldn’t be on board with that.

Nevertheless, I’d been made to look surprisingly presentable. The tuxedo fit me nicely, accentuating my broad shoulders and long legs, but also adding a bit of extra mass to my physique. My hair had been expertly combed, and my beard had been trimmed down to a five o’clock shadow—courtesy of Ibrahim.

All the great men on my side of the family were in the room with me, along with my friends. Draven, who’d been kind enough to let us host our wedding in Luceria, just like he, Field, and Bijarki had done before me; Phoenix and Field, my best friends and also groomsmen, along with the Druid; Jax and Bijarki, who were also present and unable to wipe the grins off their faces; Grandpa Xavier, Derek, and Lucas, who were helping my dad hold it all together—he seemed a lot more emotional than usual.

Sure, I’d seen him shed a few tears at Aida’s wedding, but that was a father sort of saying goodbye to his little girl. I was Jovi. The jester. The wolf-boy. I hadn’t thought he’d get all teary eyed as he stood there by the floor mirror, watching with arms crossed over his chest as Ibrahim made some final adjustments to my trousers.

“I have to give the warlock credit—he’s picked up a few sartorial tricks from Corrine for sure, because my wedding tux looks on point,” I said, glancing at my reflection. “I’d marry me, if I could!”

“And who’d marry Anjani, then? I think Malachy has a soft spot for your fiancée, though he keeps it to himself. Shall I get him?” Draven quipped, giving Phoenix a friendly nudge.

“Or Heron, for that matter,” Phoenix chimed in, catching on. “He’s quite smooth with the succubi.”

“Hardy-har-har,” I shot back dryly, feigning irritation. “Keep it up, you two, and you won’t be allowed anywhere near the spiced rosewater tonight!”

We all laughed. Dad came forward and placed his hands on my shoulders, looking into my eyes. I was nervous, to be honest, but I was also excited. I just wanted to be with Anjani. I’d proposed because I wanted us to have what my parents had—a life together, a partnership, a friendship that would never end. It was a tradition that emphasized the important role that Anjani had played in my existence and survival. She’d earned a ring on that finger, and a husband to worship her the way she deserved.

I was just the lucky bastard she’d fallen madly in love with, and the one honored to spend the rest of this life making her happy and giving her nothing but bliss.

“Jovi, Son,” Dad said, his voice raw and tugging invisible strings in my stomach. “This is it. Today is the day.”

“Way to downplay it, Dad, thanks!”

“Well, it’s a big day, Jovi. There’s no way to downplay it. But it’s the best day that any man could wish for. It’s the beginning of a new and better life for both you and Anjani,” he replied gently. “To be honest, I didn’t think you’d tie the knot with someone so soon. I thought you’d want to roam through the garden a bit more before settling down, but, then again, you’ve always had a way of surprising me.”

“I didn’t think it would happen either. But then I saw her, and poof! I was hooked. Not my fault.” I shrugged.

“I think she’s perfect for you,” Grandpa Xavier chimed in. “Fierce and beautiful, smart and loyal, relentless and pure. You’ve done well, Jovi.”

“Yeah, I think she settled, but I’m not one to complain.” I grinned.

“Just don’t get on her bad side,” Bijarki said. “You don’t want an angry succubus on your hands, wolf-boy. She will eat you alive.”

“I noticed.” I nodded my approval. “Just the other day I opened my mouth before using my brain and said something stupid. The look she gave me scared me to death. I’d rather fight another Azazel than piss off Anjani—that’s all I’ll say.”

The room burst into laughter. My dad stepped back, and Uncle Derek took his place. He was going to be officiating the wedding today, along with Safira, one of the Daughters of Eritopia. He gave me a small black box, a smile tugging the corner of his mouth.

“What is this?” I asked.

“Open it,” Derek replied.

I did, and found myself staring at a pair of gorgeous wedding rings—two platinum bands with ancient Eritopian runes engraved on the inside. I recognized some of the symbols from our previous “studies”, back when we were taking notes on Aida, Vita, and Phoenix’s runes and Viola was translating them. I spotted the words “love”, “eternity”, and “bond”, among others. They were perfect for Anjani and me.